More than 40,000 people apply for Australia's 'Best Jobs in the World'

More than 40,000 people from around the globe have applied for Australia's six "Best
Jobs in the World", leaving Australian tourism officials with the
mammoth task of paring the list down to 18 finalists.

Reuters in Sydney

10:59AM BST 11 Apr 2013

The six-month jobs, which include "Outback Adventurer" and "Chief Funster", attracted initial interest from more than 330,000 people from nearly 200 countries before applications closed late on Wednesday.

Applicants were asked to submit a 30-second video explaining why they would be good for the jobs, which come with a stipend of A$100,000 (£70,000).

Among the entries received were a woman snorkelling in stop-motion animation, and a man having a pillow fight with New Yorkers and dancing in his underwear in the subway.

"Getting lost has helped me find who I am. I have encountered all the best parts when I am lost on different journeys," said one woman, who was applying for the job of "Lifestyle Photographer". "Where will I get lost next?"

The campaign was based on a 2009 initiative by authorities in Queensland state seeking an "island caretaker" on the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. That campaign attracted almost 35,000 entries and was won by Briton Ben Southall.